Clash of the Titans

On Wednesday evening Kingston Park will play host to one of the highlights of the University Sporting calendar as Newcastle and Northumbria go head-to-head in a BUCS Premier North A fixture.

Having had their first scheduled fixture fall victim to the weather in October both sides will be itching to get one over on their fiercest rivals.

The two sides have endured a tough start to the season, winning only two games between them this year, both teams beating Leeds University.

Northumbria has also registered a draw against 2nd placed Leeds Met to edge ahead of their city rivals in the league standings, although Newcastle do have a game in hand.

Given their respective starts to this season, both will be looking to use the derby to springboard their seasons into the second half of the campaign.

The prestigious venue

The fixture can be seen as a home one for Northumbria, as they actually bought the stadium in 2008. Northumbria have yet to regain the Stan Calvert Cup since…

Last season’s Stan Calvert meeting between the two sides proved to be a tight and tense affair, with the ‘Poly’ prevailing 10-3 over their ‘Posh’ rivals. Last season’s games between the two were split, with both teams earning one win apiece after two close fought encounters.

Wednesday’s encounter therefore again looks set to be a tight affair, with a real fight look set to ensue for the city’s bragging rights.

The rivalry on the pitch will also be replicated in the stands as both sides will be cheered on by what promises to be, as always, a sizeable crowd.

Both teams will bring passionate followings, undoubtedly competing for superiority in the stands no matter what happens on the pitch. Although the fans will surely be hoping for a fiery encounter that will get them on their feet, if only to help combat the cold snap in the notoriously blustery venue.

The encounter looks set to enthrall and fascinate those bold enough to brave the cold as the two Titans battle to settle this grudge match, until they next meet at least.

Editor’s Note: The featured image for this article is from Northumbria’s sport department and is present for no reason except that it was the best available.